Understanding Low hCG Levels in Early Pregnancy: Causes & What They Mean

Question
I am 23 years old and already have two children. A few months ago I went off birth control and we have been trying to get pregnant. The first day of my last period around Sept. 8 or Sept 12. I took a pregnancy test on Oct 10 with my obgyn and it was negastive. On the 19 of Oct. I had a positive pregnancy test. Today my doctor performed a blood test to check my hcg levels and she said they were low. The level was 2004. Is this really low? What does this mean? Am I going to have a miscarriage? Thank you for any answers you can give me. - Nichole

Answer
An HCG level of 2004 is not low. However, if your last period started on September 8, you should now be 7 weeks gestational age. At 6-8 weeks, HCG values range between 15,000 - 200,000. While your value is low for 6-8 weeks, you may have been incorrect as to your dates (you may have ovulated later). I would get a sonogram. If there is a fetus and a fetal heartbeat, it is a viable pregnancy. Repeat the Beta HCG twice, 48 hours apart. If there is doubling of the results in 48 hours, it is a good sign of a viable pregnancy.